baby logan

We just came back from the city.

We have a baby. It kind of looks like a baby. It's heart was strong. And it waved at us, and did a flip.

It made our 8 hour round-trip to the city so much more bearable knowing that we are carrying this miracle.

a trip to remember

There is too much to recount in a little blog. Maybe a book should be written at a later date. I was asked ("Called" I would say) to a remote village in the northern mountains of Guatemala to pastor a small clan of people...a leader and a few teachers, who are on the front line of the battle. The place is called San Antonio Nueva Esperanza, and it is a community of people who survived the 4 decades of war here by hiding in the hills with their families. They are known as the CPR, or a Community of Population in Resistance. Most of them have been hardened by war, and have seen their parents killed, mothers raped, brothers and sisters shredded by machettes. Somehow they clung to one another and survived.
Now, more than a decade after the war has ended these people are walking and breathing, but struggle with severe poverty and deep trauma. There is one missionary family inside...the Walton family. Greg's wife Helen has survived a plane crash where others died around her, and she has severe burn scars on her body. They both have been in planes coming into their village that have crashed. Greg has beaten off wild dogs and barely survived. They both have had a band of men with machetes come at them, and somehow "prayed them down." Each year the village votes on whether or not they can stay or leave.

Their lives are literally in God's hands, and in the hands of those around them.

They asked the leaders in the village if I could come in and minister, and they agreed. I knew coming in that my example would either reflect Christ, or not... and put the character and future of the Walton family at risk.

But my visit was to encourage and remind them that they are not alone. That God is with them, and that others are praying for them.

It was one of the richest moments I have ever experienced with the Lord and His people. There is something beautifully raw about relying on God everyday for the things that most of us take for granted. And then watching people live it out. To finish the race, regardless of the circumstances.

I was only able to shoot a few pictures as they are not allowed. I will post them here. I will also post a short video clip of the discussion between Matt and I in regards to our plane coming in to pick us up. The flight was cancelled the day before and we had stayed past our planned time, and we were a little punchy.

God bless you all, and thanks for praying for my safety. My hugs and kisses from my family when I arrived home were precious, and reminded me of how hard I want to work for my Lord for an even better reunion when I arrive in heaven.

crazy missionary plane ride

Thanks so much for praying for me and the family!

I will blog soon about my time there.

in the land of eternal spring...

school at home

We have a great teacher here in Chichi named Miss Johanna, and the kids are doing great. But I also love to watch "Mom" work with them at home as well. I love to see her using the gifts that benefit our kids so much. And she has many of them!
Everyone has asked for more Heather and kids. Hope you enjoy the video.

learning at home

the journey

the marriage ceremony

I just wanted to post (and share) a special Sunday service we had together in the missionary community. We talked about the meaning of marriage in New Testament times. After our service, we all rediscovered our love for Jesus as our bridegroom, and rededicated ourselves as brides eagerly awaiting his arrival in glorious expectation.
Obviously, I can't recreate the the moment we shared together today. But I wanted to share the joy and tenderness we felt together as we fell in love again with our Savior.
We did watch a movie clip as well, and I did want to share that with you.
I hope you enjoy.
My son Aidan (4 years old) has asked me to play it for him 4 times now, and seems mesmorized by this video. He keeps asking the right questions, and it has been a deeply rewarding thing to watch his own love for Jesus come alive. It touches my heart to know that even though he is my son, we both have the same bridegroom. Amen.